Real Madrid’s possible line-up vs Athletic: why isn’t Vinícius Júnior playing?

Real Madrid will look for their fourth LaLiga victory in a row when they play Athletic Club on Wednesday on matchday 19.

Aurélien Tchouaméni is in line to make his comeback from injury when Real Madrid take on Athletic Club in San Mamés, where Carlo Ancelotti could opt to field Los Blancos in a 4-4-2 formation.

Tchouaméni is expected to face Madrid in the Basque Country tomorrow, just under a month after the Frenchman suffered an ankle injury in the team's Champions League defeat to AC Milan. Ancelotti told reporters today: “He [Tchouaméni] looks really good, he has trained well and has recovered well. He is fit to play from scratch.”

Asked whether he plans to use Tchouaméni as an anchorman or as a makeshift centre-back, Ancelotti gave nothing away, saying: “We'll have to see tomorrow where I play against him.”

Where will Tchouaméni play?

Following Éder Militao's serious knee injury last month, Tchouaméni was expected to fill in for the Brazilian at centre-back once he returned; However, 21-year-old Raúl Asencio has impressed in central defense in Tchouaméni's absence and looks likely to start again alongside Antonio Rüdiger against Athletic.

On the left of Madrid's defense, full-back Fran García also looks set to keep his place after receiving praise from Ancelotti for his performance in Los Merengues' LaLiga win over Getafe. García is expected to start for Ferland Mendy, who gave an unconvincing performance in the Champions League defeat to Liverpool a week ago.

Rodrygo-Mbappe on top?

In midfield, the return of Tchouaméni and Luka Modric would allow Ancelotti to deploy Valverde on the right flank, tasked with helping right-back Lucas Vázquez keep Athletic winger Nico Williams in check. In attack, Rodrygo Goes is partner Kylian Mbappé's favorite, while Vinícius Júnior is currently unavailable due to a hamstring injury.

Possible XI of Real Madrid vs Athletic Club:

Thibaut Courtois; Lucas Vázquez, Raúl Asencio, Antonio Rüdiger, Fran García; Fede Valverde, Dani Ceballos, Luka Modric, Jude Bellingham; Rodrygo Goes, Kylian Mbappe.

Athletic Club vs Real Madrid: when, where, how to watch?

Athletic Club and Real Madrid meet tomorrow, Wednesday December 4, on matchday 19 of the 2024/25 LaLiga season. Kickoff in San Mamés is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET/12:00 PM PT.

Viewers in the US can watch the game on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes. You can also stream the action live on the online platform fubo, which offers new users a free trial.

Madrid, a team that has won three LaLiga victories in a row, will look to get back to within one point of leaders Barcelona, ​​who defeated Real Mallorca 5-1 today. Los Blancos have played two fewer games than their arch-rivals as their Matchday 12 clash with Valencia was postponed due to the deadly floods on Spain's east coast a month ago.

Athletic are fourth in LaLiga, seven points behind Madrid.